John Madigan (Victoria, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators Wang, Leyonhjelm, Day, McKenzie, Lazarus, Muir, Lambie and Xenophon, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 20 June 2016:

The growing evidence of an emerging tick-borne disease that causes a Lyme like illness for many Australian patients, with particular reference to:

(a) the prevalence and geographic distribution of Lyme like illness in Australia;

(b) methods to reduce the stigma associated with Lyme like illness for patients, doctors and researchers;

(c) the process for diagnosis of patients with a Lyme like illness, with a specific focus on the laboratory testing procedures and associated quality assurance processes, including recognition of accredited international laboratory testing;

(d) evidence of investments in contemporary research into Australian pathogens specifically acquired through the bite of a tick and including other potential vectors;

(e) potential investment into research to discover unique local causative agents causing a growing number of Australians debilitating illness;

(f) the signs and symptoms Australians with Lyme-like illness are enduring, and the treatment they receive from medical professionals; and

(g) any other related matters.

Question agreed to.